Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

by Wayne Grudem

Peter gives one more kind of test that we can use to ask whether we are genuinely believers. He tells us that there are some character traits which, if we keep on increasing in them, will guarantee that we will “never fall” (2 Peter 1:10). He tells his readers to add to their faith “virtue . . . knowledge . . . self-control . . . steadfastness . . . godliness . . . brotherly affection . . . love” (2 Peter 1:5–7). Then he says that these things are to belong to his readers and to continually “abound” in their lives (2 Peter 1:8). He adds that they are to “be the more zealous to confirm your call and election” and says then that “if you do this (literally, “these things,” referring to the character traits mentioned in vv. 5–7) you will never fall” (2 Peter 1:10). The way that we confirm our call and election, then, is to continue to grow in “these things.” This implies that our assurance of salvation can be something that increases over time in our lives.